Health & Parenting

Tools & Resources

Halloween Safety Tips

Treat your little ones to a safe and sound Halloween this year.

WebMD Archive

continued...

"Usually these injuries happen because [people are] not
paying attention to what they're doing or they're cutting toward themselves, or
using the knife like an ice pick," Totty says, adding that knives should be
clean because the bacteria on it can cause a major infection in any cut.

For adults, the medical experts advise using sharp knives;
small children should just draw the jack-o'-lantern design on the outside of
the pumpkin with a marker and let someone older do the cutting. Youngsters who
are old enough could use knives intended for carving pumpkins.

"With my own children, I let them use the special pumpkin
cutters that have the serrated edges. These work as well as anything," says
Mark Mason, MD, a plastic surgeon at Harris and also at the Cook Children's
Medical Center in Fort Worth.

Safety organizations warn parents and trick-or-treaters alike
to be aware of other dangers:

The American Academy of Pediatrics says in order to avoid burns, use votive
candles for pumpkins; give Halloween beggars colorful pencils, stickers, large
erasers, or decorative shoelaces rather than candy; watch for signs of
tampering such as small pinholes in wrappers or loose packaging; don't give
small children things on which they could choke such as gum, peanuts, hard
candies, or small toys.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says to make sure that any
costumes are labeled "flame resistant," and be careful where you place
candles and lit jack-o'-lanterns. Three years ago, a 12 year-old Texas girl
died of severe burns when her homemade costume brushed against a
jack-o'-lantern candle. Costumes also should be light-colored and/or trimmed
with reflective tape, as should trick-or-treat bags.

The nonprofit children's health organization The Nemours Foundation says to
stick with wrapped candy; fresh fruit is easily tampered with and may be
covered with bacteria that could make you sick.

The Nemours Foundation also reminds you that dogs may be dressed up for
Halloween also but children shouldn't approach any animal even if they know it.
Their costumes may frighten the dog, causing even the most docile animal to
bite.

All of the safety and medical experts say to tell children to walk on
sidewalks and cross the street only at corners; if they must walk in the
street, walk on the side facing the traffic. Don't wear costumes or shoes that
could cause the child to trip or fall, such as mom's high heels.

An adult should accompany any child under the age of 12, and children
should have tags on the insides of their costumes with their name, address, and
phone number in case they are separated from their group. Parents should know
the companions of older children, and a curfew should be set. Instruct children
not to go into strangers' houses.

Trick-or-treaters should carry a flashlight if out after dark. Also,
children should eat a good meal before going out and be instructed to not snack
on candy they've collected until they get home and their parents have checked
to make sure it's clean and safe.

Instead of masks, use face paint that is labeled nontoxic. If a child must
wear a mask, make sure the mask has holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth,
allowing for proper ventilation and vision. Don't put anything on a child's
head that will slide over his or her eyes. All costume accessories such as
knives, swords, wands, or shields should be made of cardboard or a flexible
material.

Adults should remember that children might be in the streets, alleyways,
driveways, and on medians. Drive slowly. If you are driving children from house
to house, let them out on the curb side of the car. And be sure to clear
porches, lawns, and sidewalks of anything that someone might trip over.